Eton Dorney will be the venue for Rowing, Paralympic Rowing and Canoe Sprint events during the London 2012 Games.
The venue’s existing facilities have been enhanced for athlete warm-up and Canoe Sprint events during the Games. These works included the installation of a new 50m-span bridge over a widened entrance to the return lake for vehicles and pedestrians.
A cut-through between the competition lake and the return lake, and a new bridge over this cut-through area have also been constructed. The new cut-through enables rowers to move between the rowing course and return lake.
This page is designed to keep you informed about the London 2012 Games in your area and provide you with the information you need to plan ahead for the Games.
Installation/construction of the temporary venue infrastructure
In order to turn Dorney Lake from a world-class rowing lake into an international sports arena, we will need to put in place some temporary structures and infrastructure including seating, office cabins, scoreboards, platforms and phone lines.
Although some preliminary works have already begun, the full installation will take place from April to June.
During this time you may notice some construction noise and an increase in the number of vehicles driving to the site. We will work to keep any disruption to a minimum, however, should you experience any problems as a result of these works, please contact us on 08000 722 110 or email us at inyourarea@london2012.com.
Temporary spectator bridge
The majority of the bridge between Windsor Racecourse and the venue has now been built; the Olympic Delivery Authority will be completing the works in May by installing accessible lifts and staircases.
Venue operations during the Games
Security
In order to run a safe and secure event, we will need to implement the following security measures during the Games:
- fencing, lighting and CCTV cameras
- security patrols around the venue
- closure of the Thames towpath
- vehicle screening and restricted access to Bovney Road (access will be maintained for residents living or working on the road)
Hours of operation
During construction, our hours of work will be 8am to 6pm. All deliveries should also arrive at the venue within these times.
Once the venue has been built, training and other final preparations will begin at 7.30am.
On competition days, staff will arrive on site from 4.30am and site activities are likely to be completed by 8pm.
Traffic management and parking
In January, London 2012 announced its traffic management and parking plans for Eton Dorney. The plans will help provide a safe and secure environment around the venue, keep traffic moving and prioritise parking for local people.
Details of the plans were sent in a letter to over 16,000 addresses around the venue, and were also on display at three public drop-in sessions held in early February.
Spectators travelling to the venue
Spectator entry is via the transport hub and Windsor Racecourse. Free shuttle buses will be provided from the park-and-ride sites and Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor & Eton Riverside rail stations.
Please note that there are no parking or drop-off points at the entrance and parking restrictions will be in place around the venue. Blue Badge holders will, however, be able to park in the Windsor Racecourse transport hub.
Paralympic Games
During the Paralympic Games, spectator access will be relocated to the northern entry as the Windsor Racecourse is no longer available. Spectators are encouraged to use the free shuttles from the designated Games rail stations and park-and-ride sites or to walk or cycle to the venue.
As at the Olympic Games, there will be no vehicle drop-off or spectator parking at the northern entry. Parking restrictions will be enforced within a two mile radius. Blue Badge holders will, however, be able to park in the Windsor Racecourse transport hub.
After the Games
We will begin to remove all our temporary structures immediately after the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games. We anticipate that it will take us two months to remove the infrastructure and a further one month to reinstate the venue to its previous condition.
Local access and parking plans
The London 2012 Games will attract large numbers of visitors to venues and their surrounding areas, which means some temporary traffic and parking restrictions will be needed.
Find out how the areas will be affected on our local access and parking plans pages
What will happen and when?
April: Construction of the venue begins
May: Completion of the temporary footbridge
11 July: Venue is secured and locked down
28 July – 11 August: Olympic Rowing and Canoe Sprint events
28 August: Paralympic Torch is lit in Stoke Mandeville
31 August – 2 September: Paralympic Rowing event
September – November: Venue removed and reinstated
For more information
If you have any questions that you would like us to answer, please contact us at inyourarea@london2012.com
To find out more about travel during the Games visit getaheadofthegames.com
Get involved
If you want to plan a celebration for the Games, sign up to be a Local Leader and we'll provide you with the tools to make your celebration one to remember.
Whether you invite three friends or your whole community, just pick an occasion and get planning. Sign up online now: london2012.com/join-in/local-leaders
